Doctor Who star John Simm returning to do battle with the new Time Lord as super-villain The Master

He is making a comeback as a new actor takes over from current Doctor Peter Capaldi

Spoiler

From Dan Wootton's Biz TV Column

5th April 2017, 6:36 pm

Updated: 13th April 2017, 6:27 am

DOCTOR WHO fans are already having to deal with the idea of drastic change with PETER CAPALDI going out of the door later this year.

But a familiar face will help them through the tricky transition period.

BBC

John Simm is returning to Doctor Who as The Master

I can reveal that JOHN SIMM is returning to the BBC show, in his former role as The Doctor’s nemesis The Master.

The BAFTA-nominated actor portrayed the evil Time Lord in 2007 in the final three episodes, Utopia, The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords, when he battled Tenth Doctor DAVID TENNANT in his attempt to rule Earth.

PA:Press Association

Peter Capaldi is preparing to exit the Tardis and leave the role of Doctor Who behind

John then returned for Tennant’s farewell in 2009 - with show fans thinking they had seen the last of him.

But he will now face another Doctor in his final series as well as Peter's companion Bill, played by PEARL MACKIE, who will also leave the show after just one series.

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A source said: “This is huge for Whovians and is seen as a big coup by show boss STEVEN MOFFAT.
“John was hugely popular as The Master and they’ll be delighted he’s coming back.

“It’s a closely guarded secret and was meant to be a huge surprise for fans.”

PA:Press Association

John will be back onscreen battling a new Time Lord

And as part of his return, which it is thought will be teased in a trailer when the show returns on April 15, John will not be the only Master on screen.

He will appear in the episode with MICHELLE GOMEZ, who took over the famous role as Missy, the first woman to portray the character The Master.

PA:Press Association

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While fans of the show may be over the moon at the return of John, the actor himself will perhaps be less than impressed.

Speaking about his role in 2013, he said he wouldn’t miss it because of all the attention it brings.

He told the Radio Times: “I’ll be so happy when that’s gone from my life.

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“It’s great to be into something, but for goodness’ sake, really? I’m not the Master, I’m not that evil Time Lord who rules the galaxy, I’m just in Tesco with my kids. Leave me alone!”

Better find somewhere new to do the big shop.

THE ONLY WAY IS OUT

LAUREN POPE has lashed out at Towie bosses for her constant “anxiety and stress”.

The reality star, who quit the ITVBe series in 2015, blamed show execs for forgetting they were dealing with her life, not just a programme.

She said: “I do not miss the constant feeling of anxiety and stress when you have got a big storyline. It’s a catch-22 as you have got air time, which means more exposure, which is great for your business.

“But it also means you are going into filming feeling you are on edge all the time. You think, ‘Oh my God, what is happening next?’ To the producers it’s a storyline, but it is your life.”

I imagine they told you that when you signed up.

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Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown has given the traditional Easter hot cross bun an overhaul

And then there’s a Sponge-Bob one, called – really – Bun-der The Sea . . .

Buy Candice Brown’s Tot Cross Buns in-store at Primrose Bakery for one day only on 12th April. The buns cost £2.99 for four and come with a one month NOW TV Kids Pass. Primrose Bakery Covent Garden, 42 Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PB

SOAPBOX

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As his husband Robert Sugden’s cheating secret continues to loom over him, Aaron’s family plans a surprise party for his return.
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Slump in naked ambition

WALKING into the office the morning after baring your bits on national telly is proving a huge turn-off.

Channel 4's Naked Attraction is struggling to find willing participants to sign up to strip off

So it is offering to pay striptease artists to take part.

A source said: “There have been plenty of men willing to get their kit off on camera, but not enough women. “So they’ve asked people who get naked regularly – including burlesque performers – and are happy to pay them expenses for their time.”

Last July’s first hour-long episode of the show featured an average of five images of male genitalia and two of female genitalia every minute.